The Baptism of Christ, Verrocchio and Leonardo
《基督受洗》,委羅基奧與達文西 (1472-75) 義大利,佛羅倫斯烏菲茲美術館
《基督受洗》,委羅基奧與達文西 (1472-75) 義大利,佛羅倫斯烏菲茲美術館
The Baptism of Jesus — The Beginning of the Divine Mission
【聖言導引】
在約旦河畔,耶穌謙卑地走入水中,領受洗者若翰的洗禮。這幅作品捕捉了天主聖三同時顯現的神聖瞬間:聖子的順服、聖神的降臨,以及聖父慈愛的宣告。這不僅是耶穌公開生活的序幕,更是一份對全人類救恩計劃的正式啟動。
【聖經經文】
「耶穌受了洗,隨即從水裡上來,天忽然為祂開了。祂看見天主聖神有如鴿子降下,來到祂上面;還有聲音由天上說:『這是我的愛子,我所喜悅的。』」——《瑪竇福音 3:16-17》
【藝術賞析】
謙卑的聖子: 畫面中央是雙手合十、神情虔誠的耶穌。祂雖無罪,卻甘願履行洗禮的儀式,展現了與世人同在的謙卑。
洗者若翰的職責: 畫面右側是洗者若翰,他正將水傾倒在耶穌頭上。他作為耶穌的先行者,在此完成了將救主引介給世人的神聖交接。
聖神的臨在: 在耶穌正上方,一隻鴿子(象徵聖神)處於神聖的光圈中心。這代表了天主的恩寵與指引,正加強耶穌即將展開的傳教使命。
天使的守護: 畫面左側有一位天使正手持耶穌的長袍,象徵著整個天國都在注視並慶賀這神聖的一刻。
【心靈反思】
聖女小德蘭曾說:「天主賜給我的最大恩寵,就是讓我明白自己是多麼渺小。」
耶穌受洗時所展現的謙卑,正是聖女小德蘭「小道」精神的源頭。我們在領洗時,也同樣獲得了「天主愛子/愛女」的身分。願這幅花窗提醒我們,無論我們在世上的地位如何,最珍貴的身分是在天主眼中,我們都是祂所喜悅的孩子。當我們在生活中感到迷失時,請回想受洗時那份神聖的召叫,讓聖神的平安指引我們前行的道路。
【English Guide / 英文導覽】
Theme:The Baptism of Jesus — The Beginning of the Divine Mission
Introduction: By the banks of the Jordan River, Jesus humbly entered the water to receive baptism from John the Baptist. This window captures the sacred moment when the Holy Trinity was revealed: the obedience of the Son, the descent of the Holy Spirit, and the declaration of the Father. This event marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and the formal launch of God's plan for salvation.
Scripture: "After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'" (Matthew 3:16-17)
Artistic Appreciation
The Humble Son: At the center is Jesus, hands clasped in prayer. Though sinless, He willingly submits to the rite of baptism, showing His solidarity with humanity.
John the Baptist's Role: On the right, John the Baptist pours water over Jesus’ head. As the precursor, he fulfills his sacred duty of introducing the Savior to the world.
Presence of the Holy Spirit: Directly above Jesus, a dove (symbolizing the Holy Spirit) appears within a divine halo. This represents God's grace and guidance strengthening Jesus for His upcoming mission.
The Guardian Angel: On the left, an angel holds Jesus' garments, symbolizing that all of Heaven is watching and celebrating this holy moment.
Spiritual Reflection: St. Thérèse once said, "The greatest grace God has ever given me is to show me my own littleness." The humility Jesus showed at His baptism is the very source of St. Thérèse’s "Little Way." At our own baptism, we were also given the identity of being "beloved children of God." May this window remind us that regardless of our status in the world, our most precious identity is being a child in whom God is well pleased. When we feel lost, let us recall that sacred calling and let the peace of the Holy Spirit guide our path.